Last updated: November 10, 2026, 12:30 a.m. UTC
The Chicago Blackhawks could be prepared to put multiple first-round draft picks on the table, creating a potential trade opportunity for the struggling Vancouver Canucks. With both teams near the bottom of the NHL standings, Chicago's reported willingness to move valuable selections could give Vancouver an opening to accelerate its rebuilding plans. No trade between the clubs has been confirmed, but several Canucks forwards have emerged as possible candidates in the discussion. The situation also comes after Vancouver suffered another defeat, losing 4-2 to the Edmonton Oilers.
What the Deal Is
There is no confirmed agreement between Vancouver and Chicago. Instead, the possibility centres on Chicago's reported willingness to consider moving future draft capital in exchange for players who can improve its current roster.
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Blackhawks have several valuable selections potentially available. During the Saturday Headlines segment on Saturday Night Hockey, Friedman identified Florida's first-round pick, Edmonton's first-round pick, Chicago's own first-round selection and multiple second-rounders as assets that could enter trade discussions.
For Vancouver, that creates an opportunity to pursue additional draft capital while considering which established players might attract Chicago's attention. The Canucks could also investigate whether younger prospects or players with untapped potential would be available in a larger transaction.
The discussion is particularly relevant because Vancouver and Chicago are competing near the bottom of the standings rather than pursuing playoff positions.
The Key Details
Chicago's interest in improving its scoring gives Vancouver several possible trade candidates. Jake DeBrusk stands out because of his established goal-scoring record and current production.
The 30-year-old winger is on pace for 24 goals and 48 points this season. His ability to produce more than 20 goals regularly could make him an attractive option alongside Connor Bedard, Chicago's first-overall selection in the 2023 NHL Draft.
However, DeBrusk has a full no-movement clause. Although he has reportedly been open to a trade, a move from one struggling team to another could complicate negotiations.
Other potential Vancouver options include Drew O'Connor, Linus Karlsson and Paul Cotter. Karlsson, aged 26, could attract interest because he has demonstrated offensive production while playing a middle-six role.
Marco Rossi is another possibility. The 25-year-old centre arrived in Vancouver as part of the Quinn Hughes trade and performed well toward the end of last season. His production has been less consistent this campaign, with his ice time fluctuating under new head coach Manny Malhotra.
Rossi also carries a $5-million cap hit, meaning a potential transaction could require Vancouver to take back another contract. Chicago veterans Ryan Greenway or Teuvo Teravainen have been identified as possible pieces in a salary-balancing arrangement.
Why It Happened
Chicago's willingness to consider trading draft picks reflects the pressure surrounding its rebuilding project. The Blackhawks selected Bedard first overall in 2023, hoping his arrival would help transform the franchise. Instead, they have finished 31st in each of his first three seasons and are again struggling to escape the bottom of the standings.
General manager Kyle Davidson attempted to accelerate progress during the offseason by acquiring defenceman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway from Buffalo. Chicago surrendered the fourth-overall selection and a 2026 second-round pick, along with defenceman Louis Crevier, in that transaction.
The early returns have not matched expectations. Greenway has contributed little offensively, while Byram's injury problems have limited him to six appearances this season.
Chicago therefore has reason to seek immediate offensive improvements rather than simply accumulate more prospects. Adding a productive winger could help the team provide Bedard with better support.
Vancouver has a different calculation. With its season going poorly, converting established players into draft picks and younger assets could strengthen its rebuilding position.
What It Means for Both Clubs
A potential transaction could benefit both organisations, although their priorities would be different. Chicago needs players capable of improving its attack, while Vancouver has an opportunity to collect assets that could become important over the next several seasons.
For the Canucks, acquiring a first-round selection would offer additional flexibility at the draft. Trading a veteran forward could also create opportunities for younger players already within the organisation.
There is another strategic consideration. Vancouver and Chicago are competing for position near the bottom of the NHL standings. If Chicago improves through a trade, it could become less of a direct competitor in the race for the highest draft selections.
However, Vancouver should not assume that moving one of its forwards will automatically produce a first-round pick. The value of a deal will depend on the player's contract, production, age and Chicago's willingness to surrender premium assets.
Rossi could potentially command a stronger return than some of the cheaper forward options, but his contract makes the financial structure more complicated. DeBrusk offers a clearer scoring profile, although his no-movement clause gives him considerable control over his destination.
Reactions and What Comes Next
Friedman's reporting has brought Chicago's draft capital into the conversation, but neither organisation has confirmed a specific negotiation or named a completed transaction.
Vancouver's recent results add urgency to the discussion. The Canucks fell 4-2 to Edmonton on November 7, dropping to a 3-15-1 record. Max Sasson and Brock Boeser scored for Vancouver, but Leon Draisaitl's two goals helped the Oilers secure the victory.
Edmonton also received goals from Mattias Ekholm and Jason Dickinson, while Connor McDavid recorded three assists. Boeser's seventh goal of the season briefly brought Vancouver within one before Draisaitl completed the scoring with an empty-net goal.
The defeat illustrates the difficult position facing Vancouver as it considers its longer-term direction. The Canucks were scheduled to host the Philadelphia Flyers on November 9, providing another opportunity to assess the team's form.
The next significant development would be confirmation that Chicago is actively negotiating for scoring help and that Vancouver is willing to discuss one of its forwards. Until then, DeBrusk, Karlsson, O'Connor, Cotter and Rossi remain possible trade candidates rather than confirmed departures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Canucks and Blackhawks making a trade?
No completed trade has been reported. The discussion concerns a potential deal based on Chicago's reported willingness to consider moving draft picks.
Which draft picks could Chicago trade?
According to Elliotte Friedman, Chicago could consider Florida's first-round pick, Edmonton's first-round pick, its own first-round selection and several second-round picks.
Could Jake DeBrusk join the Blackhawks?
DeBrusk has been identified as a possible candidate because of his scoring ability. His full no-movement clause could complicate any potential move.
Could Marco Rossi be included in a deal?
Rossi is another possible candidate. His $5-million cap hit means Vancouver and Chicago would need to consider the financial structure of any agreement.
Why would Chicago trade its first-round picks?
The Blackhawks are looking for scoring help to improve their roster and provide better offensive support for Connor Bedard.
